NAMASTE COTTAGE

Forming the heart of the stunning Les Verdots wine estate, this detached building in the local architectural style looks out over the vineyards; a travertine-paved terrace is laid out in front. Inside, the comfortable interior is done out in chic bistro-style decor. Chef Thierry Marx has devised a menu that turns tradition on its head: open-field tomatoes with fresh goat's milk cheese, vanilla oil and strawberries; duck confit served with lentils with carrot and dressed in a mustard vinaigrette; floating island with raspberries and custard. The short wine list, of course, highlights the estate

This authentic country inn restored by the owner couple is the epitome of charm. Star-studded chef Anthony Hardy has built up a network he can rely on, starting with his wife Marie for the front of house, and including a handful of local producers for the ingredients. The resulting cuisine combines consummately crafted seasonal produce, spot-on seasonings and flawless cooking. Start with mackerel cooked over a direct flame and organic marinated celery, followed by exquisitely plated French duckling roasted whole and served with glazed carrots, finishing with a chou pastry stuffed with hazelnut

At the top of the Bergerac vineyards, next to an old windmill, this beautiful and opulent establishment affords an unforgettable view. Chef Damien Fagette taps into the Périgord terroir and its produce, working with Blonde d'Aquitaine beef, foie gras and free-range Périgord chicken. His skilfully and meticulously crafted contemporary cuisine is a successful alliance of fine ingredients, accurate cooking and well-defined flavours: langoustine tartare with a spicy lemongrass shell jus and green asparagus; fillet of beef with Kalamata olives and stuffed morels; warm soufflé with Grand Marnier. A

Opposite the country town’s listed covered market, this tastefully appointed guesthouse and restaurant with a terrace to the rear invite you to sit down, relax and take your time. Veteran chef, Anaïs, deftly crafts an appetising lineup, while pastry chef Julien rolls out wickedly enticing desserts: a hazelnut extravaganza of praline, hazelnut mousse and butterscotch – to die for!

In this medieval edifice in historic Bergerac, the chef has been crafting seasonal cuisine of regional inspiration that packs a punch for over 15 years. In summer on the terrace or in winter by a huge fireplace, you will sample elegant, deftly curated dishes, such as panacotta of white asparagus, crab meat and aïoli or a chou craquelin (half chou – half macaroon) with Timut-flavoured stewed strawberries and basil ganache: the antithesis of imperfect in fact!

Owner-chef Stéphane Cuzin has been at the helm of this street corner bistro with a distinctive red façade and a snazzy, modish interior for many years now. It faces Bergerac’s covered market, where Stéphane sources the majority of his ingredients. Creative recipes and unusual seasonings set the tone: tonka, nutmeg, cumin and coffee may underscore veal, spinach or asparagus.